SANDF Medals and Decorations

Written by Staff Writer, Wednesday, 12 March 2014

The medals and decorations list of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) currently numbers 66, of which 52 are for acts of bravery, valour and other meritorious deeds performed before April 2003. The remaining 14 are presented for these and other acts performed after that date.

The pre-April 2003 list is:

Castle of Good Hope/ Kasteel de Goede Hoop (CGH). Instituted as the prime military award and also the highest award that may be bestowed on a South African. The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by a significant act of valour or most conspicuous bravery or during a pre-eminent act of self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of an enemy. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Honoris Crux Silver/ Honoris Crux Silwer (HCS). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by performing exceptional deeds of bravery, against an armed enemy, while in great danger of life. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Gold Star for Bravery/ Goue Ster vir Dapperheid (GSB). The decoration may be awarded to former members of Apla who have distinguished themselves by performing exceptional deeds of bravery against an armed enemy while in great danger of life before April 27, 1994.

Star for Bravery in Gold/ Ster vir Dapperheid in Goud (SBG). The decoration may be awarded to former members of MK who have distinguished themselves by performing exceptional deeds of bravery against an armed enemy while in great danger of life before April 27, 1994.

Honoris Crux (HC). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by performing deeds of bravery against an armed enemy while in danger of life. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Bravery Star in Silver/ Dapperheid Ster in Silwer (BSS). The decoration may be awarded to former members of Apla who have distinguished themselves by performing deeds pf bravery against an armed enemy while in danger of life before April 27, 1994.

Star for Bravery in Silver/ Ster vir Dapperheid in Silwer (SBS). The decoration may be awarded to former members of MK who have distinguished themselves by performing deeds of bravery against an armed enemy while in danger of life before April 27, 1994.

Pro Virtute Decoration/ Pro Virtute Dekorasie (PVD). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF in recognition of distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership in the field. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Star for Conspicuous Leadership/ Ster vir Uitnemende Leierskap (SCL). The decoration may be awarded to former members of Apla in recognition of distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership in the field before April 27, 1994.

Conspicuous Leadership Star/ Uitnemende Leierskap Ster (CLS). The decoration may be awarded to former members of MK in recognition of distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership in the field before April 27, 1994.

Southern Cross Decoration/ Suiderkruis Dekorasie (SD). The decoration may be awarded to officers of the SANDF for outstanding service of the highest order and the utmost devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Pro Merito Decoration/ Pro Merito Dekorasie (PMD). The decoration may be awarded to other ranks of the SANDF for outstanding service of the highest order and the utmost devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Gold Decoration for Merit/ Goue Dekorasie vir Verdienste (GDM). The decoration may be awarded to former members of Apla for outstanding service of the highest order and the utmost devotion to duty before April 27, 1994.

Decoration for Merit in Gold/ Dekorasie vir Verdienste in Goud (DMG). The decoration may be awarded to former members of MK for outstanding service of the highest order and the utmost devotion to duty before April 27, 1994.

Pro Virtute Medal/ Pro Virtute Medalje (PVM). The medal may be awarded to other ranks of the SANDF and the Auxiliary Service of the SANDF and other armed forces attached to or serving with or rendering service to the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by their distinguished conduct and exceptional combat leadership in the field.

Ad Astra Decoration/ Ad Astra Dekorasie (AAD). The decoration may be awarded to air crew members of the SANDF on board aircraft for excellent flying skill or outstanding ingenuity or skill during emergencies or unusual situations. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Army Cross/ Leerkruis (CM). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SA Army who have distinguished themselves in dangerous or critical situations by exceptional courage, leadership, skill, ingenuity or tenacity in the handling of personnel, weaponry or other equipment. The Air Force Cross, Navy Cross and a Medical Service Cross may be awarded to members of the appropriate services under similar circumstances. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Southern Cross Medal/ Suiderkruis Medalje (SM). This medal may be awarded to officers of the SANDF for exceptional meritorious service and particular devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Pro Merito Medal/ Pro Merito Medalje (PMM). This medal may be awarded to other ranks of the SANDF for exceptional meritorious service and particular devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Merit Medal in Silver/ Verdienstemedalje in Silwer (MMS). This medal may be awarded to former members of MK for exceptional meritorious service and particular devotion to duty before April 27, 1994.

Silver Medal for Merit/ Silwer Medalje vir Verdienste (SMM). This medal may be awarded to former members of Apla for exceptional meritorious service and particular devotion to duty before April 27, 1994.

Military Merit Medal/ Militere Meriete Medalje (MMM). This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF for service of a high order and devotion to duty. A bar may also be awarded for a successive similar achievement.

Merit Medal in Bronze/ Verdienstemedalje in Brons (MMB). This medal may be awarded to former members of MK for service of a high order and devotion to duty before April 27, 1994.

Bronze Medal for Merit/ Bronsmedalje vir Verdienste (BMM). This medal may be awarded to former members of Apla for service of a high order and devotion to duty before April 27, 1994.

Pro Patria Medal/ Pro Patria Medalje. This campaign medal may be awarded to members of the former SADF for service over a period of 55 days continuous or 90 days non-continuous operational service in the operational area of the former South West Africa, or other operational area as defined by the Minister of Defence, before March 21, 1990.

Cunene Clasp/ Kunene Gespe. Awarded to members of the former SADF for participation in Operation Savannah over the period August 25, 1975 to March 27, 1978.

Southern Africa Medal/ Suider-Afrika Medalje. This campaign medal may be awarded to members of the former SADF for participation in cross-border operations after April 1, 1978 and before March 21, 1990.

General Service Medal/ Algemene Dienstemedalje. This campaign medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF for military service of 55 days continuous or 90 days non-continuous between January 1, 1983 and August 19, 1993. The medal may also be awarded for participation in internal military operations as from August 20, 1993, or for service rendered as part of a military operation beyond the borders of the Republic of South Africa, or for official visits or inspections in connection with an operation. The period of qualifying service shall be a minimum of 30 days which may be continuous or non-continuous.

Maluti Clasp. Awarded to any members of the SANDF or Auxiliary Service in the SANDF, or any armed force attached to or serving with, or rendering any service to the SANDF who was engaged, for one day or more directly in, or in support of Operation Boleas and Operation Maluti over the period September 22, 1998 until May 14, 1999 and the second phase of the operation in Lesotho, codenamed Operation Maluti over the period May 18, 1999 until May 26, 2000.

Operational Medal for Southern Africa. This campaign medal may be awarded to former MK/Apla members who rendered service in a military operational capacity beyond the borders of the RSA for at least 60 days (which need not be continuous) before April 27, 1994.

South Africa Service Medal. This campaign medal may be awarded to former MK/Apla members who rendered service in a military operational capacity within the borders of the RSA for at least 60 days (which need not be continuous) before April 27, 1994.

Unitas Medal/ Unitas Medalje. Instituted as a commemorative medal for the unification of defence forces and armed forces in the RSA which commenced on April 27, 1994 and who rendered actual service over the full period April 27 to May 10, 1994.

Bat to the Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service. The bar may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have rendered 50 years qualifying service.

Medal for Distinguished Conduct and Loyal Service/ Medalje vir Uitnemende Gedrag en Toegewyde Diens. This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have rendered 40 years qualifying service.

Good Service Medal (Gold)/ Medalje vir Troue Diens (Goud). This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Permanent Force on the date of 30 years qualifying service.

Gold Service Medal/ Goue Diensmedalje. This medal may be awarded to persons who served with the former Apla on the date of 30 years qualifying service before April 27, 1994.

Service Medal in Gold/ Diensmedalje in Goud. This medal may be awarded to persons who served with the former MK on the date of 30 years qualifying service before April 27, 1994.

John Chard Decoration/ John Chard Dekorasie (JCD). This decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Citizen Force on the date of 20 years qualifying service. A clasp may be awarded for 30 years qualifying service.

De Wet Decoration/ De Wet Dekorasie (DWD). This decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Commandos on the date of 20 years qualifying service. A clasp may be awarded for 30 years qualifying service.

Good Service Medal (Silver)/ Medalje vir Troue Diens (Silwer). This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Permanent Force on the date of 20 years qualifying service.

Silver Service Medal/ Silwer Diensmedalje. This medal may be awarded to persons who served with the former Apla on the date of 20 years qualifying service before April 27, 1994.

Service Medal in Silver/ Diensmedalje in Silwer. This medal may be awarded to persons who served with the former MK on the date of 20 years qualifying service before April 27, 1994.

John Chard Medal/ John Chard Medalje. This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Permanent Force on the date of 10 years qualifying service.

Good Service Medal (Bronze)/ Medalje vir Troue Diens (Brons). This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Permanent Force on the date of 10 years qualifying service.

De Wet Medal/ De Wet Medalje. This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who served in the Commandos on the date of 10 years qualifying service.

Bronze Service Medal/ Brons Diensmedalje. This medal may be awarded to persons who served in the former Apla on the date of 10 years qualifying service before April 27, 1994.

Service Medal in Bronze/ Diensmedalje in Brons. This medal may be awarded to persons who served in the former MK on the date of 10 years qualifying service before April 27, 1994.

SADF Champion Shot Medal/ SAW Kampioenskut Medalje. This medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF who were adjudged the annual champion shots in the categories of small bore, full bore, service and pistol shooting.

Cadet Champion Shot Medal/ Kadet Kampioenskut Medalje. This medal may be awarded to the school cadet who is annually adjudged the champion during the final school cadet Bisley.

Mention in Despatches/ Vermelding in Berigte. This award is a miniature replica of the national Coat of Arms worn on the appropriate campaign medal related to the operational service the member rendered. The award may be awarded to members of the SANDF as special recognition for conduct and devotion to duty during operational circumstances for which no other medal can be awarded. If the recipient has no campaign medals the emblem is worn junior to all medals, mounted on a bar covered with the appropriate piece of tunic. If the member has no medals, the emblem is worn mounted on a bar covered with the appropriate piece of tunic.

Chief of the SANDF Commendation/ Hoof van die SANW se Aanprysing. This award is a certificate and may be awarded to military and civilian members of the SANDF and DoD, civilians employed by the State or the private sector and other institutions who have committed themselves to render a direct contribution and meritorious service towards the SANDF.

Other Commendations. Commendation certificates are instituted for all Chiefs of the Services as well as Chiefs of Staff Divisions for meritorious service and a meaningful contribution towards the SANDF. Various officers commanding have instituted commendation certificates and the use thereof enjoys high esteem.

Decorations on the post April 2003 list are:

Nkwe ya Gsuta (NG) (Golden Leopard). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by performing acts of exceptional bravery during military operations. A bar may be awarded for a successful similar achievement. The award of an insignia shall indicate the award of the decoration for service in active military operations. Insignia will be awarded/issued according to the Service in which the recipient was serving at the time of the action for which the decoration was conferred.

Nkwe ya Selefera (NS) (Silver Leopard). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by performing acts of conspicuous bravery during military operations. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement. The award of an insignia shall indicate the award of the decoration for service in active military operations. Insignia will be awarded/issued according to the Service in which the recipient was serving at the time of the action for which the decoration was conferred.

Nkwe ya Boronse (NB) (Bronze Leopard). This decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves by performing acts of bravery during military operations. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement. The award of an insignia shall indicate the award of the decoration for service in active military operations. Insignia will be awarded/issued according to the Service in which the recipient was serving at the time of the action for which the decoration was conferred.

iPhrothiya yaGolide (PG) (Golden Protea). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who distinguished themselves by exceptional leadership or exceptional meritorious service and the utmost devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement. The award of an insignia shall indicate the award of the decoration for service in active military operations. Insignia will be awarded/issued according to the Service in which the recipient was serving at the time of the action for which the decoration was conferred.

iPhrothiya yeStilva (PS) (Silver Protea). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who distinguished themselves by outstanding leadership or outstanding meritorious service and particular devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a similar successive achievement. The award of an insignia shall indicate the award of the decoration for service in active military operations. Insignia will be awarded/issued according to the Service in which the recipient was serving at the time of the action for which the decoration was conferred.

iPhrothiya yeBhronzi (PB) (Bronze Protea). The decoration may be awarded to members of the SANDF who distinguished themselves by leadership or meritorious service and devotion to duty. A bar may be awarded for a successive similar achievement. The award of an insignia shall indicate the award of the decoration for service in active military operations. Insignia will be awarded/issued according to the Service in which the recipient was serving at the time of the action for which the decoration was conferred.

Tshumelo Ikatelaho (General Service). This campaign medal may be awarded to members of the SANDF and of any Auxiliary Service in the SANDF and of any Armed Forces attached to or rendering any service to the SANDF who was engaged for one day or more directly in or in support of a military operation, belligerent or otherwise.

Medalje vir Troue Diens/ Medal for Loyal Service. The medal and subsequent bars may be awarded to members of the SANDF and of any Auxiliary Service of the SANDF whose character and conduct have been irreproachable and who, on or after April 27, 2003, completed the required years qualifying service, which need not be continuous.

Emblem for Reserve Force Service (RD). This emblem is awarded to officers and other ranks of the SANDF Reserve Force who, after April 27, 2003, completed the prescribed period of 20 years loyal service to qualify for the award of the Bar to the Medalje vir Troue Diens 20 years and whose character and conduct have been irreproachable and who are in every way considered worthy and deserving of recognition for Reserve Force service. The required minimum of five years’ service in the Reserve Force may be rendered in any years (which need not be consecutive) prior to, during or after, the qualifying period for the award of the 20 year Bar to the Medalje vir Troue Diens provided the member shall be serving as a member of the Reserve Force at the time of qualifying for the Emblem.

Okhankanyiweyo (Mention in Despatches/Vermelding in Berigte). The award is a miniature replica of the national Coat of Arms worn on the appropriate campaign medal related to the operational service the member rendered. The award may be awarded to members of the SANDF as special recognition for conduct and devotion to duty during operational circumstances for which no other medal can be awarded. If the recipient has no campaign medals the emblem is worn junior to all medals, mounted on a bar covered with the appropriate piece of tunic. If the member has no medals the emblem is worn, mounted on a bar covered with the appropriate piece of tunic.

Long Service Awards for Civilians. The award of long service certificates may be awarded to civilians members (PSAP) of the SANDF. Certificates are awarded for 10 and 20 years continuous service.

Public Service Certificates (PSAP members). The award of long service certificates may be awarded to civilian members (PSAP) of the SANDF. Certificates are awarded for 20 and 30 years continuous service. A cash amount is also awarded on completion of 30 years continuous service. The amount will be adjusted annually on April 1 according to the CPIX for the period January to December of the preceding year.

Badge for Voluntary Reserve Force Service. This emblem is awarded to members of the SANDF Reserve Force who have distinguished themselves by rendering five years praiseworthy voluntary Reserve Force service. This emblem is awarded for service rendered from October 28, 1985.

Commendation by Chief of the SANDF. This award is a certificate and may be awarded to military and civilian members of the SANDF and DoD, civilians employed by the State or the private sector and other institutions who have committed themselves to render a direct contribution and meritorious service towards the SANDF.